All factories should now offer farmers the option to receive payment for cattle and sheep sales electronically, the IFA has said.

IFA president Tim Cullinan has written to Meat Industry Ireland (MII) requesting all its members offer the electronic funds transfer (EFT) facility to farmers selling animals.

“The recent announcement that one of MII’s members will offer EFT is a positive move and we are now requesting that all other processors provide the same facility,” he said.

IFA livestock chair Brendan Golden said it’s imperative and long overdue that EFT is offered by all meat processors, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of why this issue needs to move forward.

“ICOS recently outlined to IFA that almost all of its marts are offering the option of EFT, when requested. Farmers have grown accustomed to EFT and now fully appreciate its speed and convenience,” he said.

This week, ABP announced it would be offering farmers the option of receiving payment for their cattle electronically.

“As an alternative to cheque payment, you can opt for electronic transfer. That means hassle-free, contactless payment for your livestock,” ABP said.